Veterinary Public Health Division

Division Description

The Veterinary Public Health Division works in partnership with the community to create a safe and healthy environment for animals and people.  This goal is accomplished through the following education, field and shelter services: 

• Preventing rabies in humans by enforcing rabies vaccination laws, investigating possible animal rabies cases and providing rabies vaccination services
  

• Collaborating with State agencies to investigate and prevent zoonotic infections
  

• Enforcing Harris County Animal Regulations, including licensing, leash law and vaccination requirements
  

• Sheltering lost, abandoned and dangerous animals, coordinating adoption services for shelter animals and providing spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, licensing and micro-chipping services
  

• Presenting animal safety and pet care education to law enforcement officials, students, civic associations and employers
  

• Investigating citizen complaints and concerns regarding dangerous dogs, animal bites, injured animals and wildlife
  

• Coordinating with partner agencies to provide care for animals and protect the public from zoonotic diseases during disasters